Key Moments:
- The Virginia Lottery Board has granted the casino operator’s license for the Norfolk casino project.
- A temporary casino venue with 130 slot machines is projected to open in November near Harbor Park.
- The permanent resort, targeting a 2027 opening, is set to feature 1,500 slot machines, 50 table games, a 200-room hotel, and eight food and beverage outlets.
Operational Developments and Regulatory Milestones
The Virginia Lottery Board has approved the operator’s license for the Norfolk casino, concluding that the application satisfied all requirements for integrity, financial stability, security, and responsible gaming. This decision paves the way for Boyd Gaming and the Pamunkey Tribe to proceed with their plans for a temporary casino site, aiming for a November debut with 130 slot machines adjacent to Harbor Park.
Vision for the Permanent Casino Resort
Scheduled for completion in 2027, the permanent facility is expected to deliver a comprehensive entertainment experience with 1,500 slot machines, 50 table games, eight food and beverage venues, and a 200-room hotel. The casino project gained initial approval from Norfolk voters in a November 2020 referendum.
| Venue | Opening Date | Slot Machines | Table Games | Hotel Rooms | Dining Outlets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Casino | November | 130 | – | – | – |
| Permanent Casino | 2027 | 1,500 | 50 | 200 | 8 |
Stakeholder Perspectives
Kevin Brown, chief of the Pamunkey Tribe, said: “For the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, this licence is more than regulatory clearance. It is a milestone of opportunity, a reaffirmation of our long-term vision for economic development, job creation and partnership with the community of Norfolk. We look forward to shared success ahead with our partners at Boyd Gaming and the City of Norfolk.”
Ron Bailey, vice president and general manager of the casino, added: “We are honored to receive the Virginia Lottery Board’s approval. With this step complete, we have taken a major step toward the realization of our vision of creating a best-in-market gaming resort in the City of Norfolk. We look forward to opening the doors of The Interim Gaming Hall next month and continue to work toward the opening of our $750m casino resort in late 2027.”
City and Construction Updates
The Norfolk City Council gave its approval earlier this month for a lease that allows Boyd to utilize parts of local land for parking and construction material staging. This administrative move supports the logistics necessary for the phased development of the casino project.
- Author
Daniel Williams
